Gelcasting is a novel method of forming ceramics and has been increasingly employed
in preparing complex-shaped, near-net-shape advanced materials. In this work, alumina,
zirconia and alumina-zirconia bioceramics were shaped by gelcasting, using MAM-MBAM
monomer system, with subsequent sintering and characterization. High purity tetragonal ZrO2
(3mol%Y2O3) and .Al2O3 powders were used as starting powders. Powder mixture containing
80 wt.% of alumina and 20 wt.% of tetragonal zirconia were obtained by
milling/homogenization. In all cases, the suspension obtained had at least 55 vol.% solid
loading. Ceramic bodies were demolded, dried and characterized by green relative density. The
compacts were sintered in air at 1550 and 15750C, for 120 minutes, with controlled heating-rate
to facilitate organic compounds removal. Sintered samples were characterized by relative
density, and analyzed by X-Ray diffraction and scanning electronic microscopy. Hardness and
fracture toughness were determined using Vicker’s indentation method.